Terrance Mitchell understood even before he got to college that talent alone wasn't going to be his ticket to success. Mitchell knew lots of talented players while growing up in Sacramento. But that talent had to be honed with work, and Mitchell says he even invests time on holidays to develop his strength and skills.

At Oregon, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu was regarded as the cornerback that opposing quarterback wanted to avoid. That meant more passing action in Mitchell's direction, and he answered the bell by leading the Ducks last season with five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

Mitchell decided to forego his senior season at Oregon and declare for the NFL draft, where NFL.com projects him to be taken in the third or fourth round. Here is more about how he has pursued his NFL dream, in his own words: